By Emeka Chiaghanam
Day three of the Anambra Innovation Week, held at the International Conference Centre in Awka, showcased Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s unwavering commitment to transforming Anambra into a digital technology hub.
Speaking at the event, the Chief of Staff to the
Governor, Mr. Ernest Ezeajughi, emphasized that Governor Soludo is working
tirelessly, dedicating "twenty-four hours a day" to improve the lives
of over eight million residents of Anambra State.
Mr. Ezeajughi highlighted the
strides made under the current administration, noting significant progress in
positioning Anambra as a leader in digital technology. “The state government is
putting a lot in place to make Anambra number one in digital tech,” he said,
underscoring the potential of technology to simplify life for citizens and drive
innovation across sectors.
In her opening remarks, Ms.
Chinwe Okoli, Special Adviser to the Governor on Business Innovation and
Business Incubation, thanked Governor Soludo for his unwavering support. She stated
that the Innovation Week aims to address today’s challenges while laying the
foundation for Anambra’s technological transformation. “This is about meeting
today’s challenges for tomorrow’s solutions and development,” she said, urging
participants to remain attentive and committed throughout the event.
A key highlight of the day was
a presentation by the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, titled *Catalyzing Innovation: Transforming
Nigeria’s Technology Landscape*. Represented by the NCC’s Assistant Director in
the agency, Mrs. Onuogu, Dr. Maida revealed alarming statistics about
challenges in Nigeria’s telecom sector. Out of 366 incidents reported, 130
involved theft and vandalism, while 236 were cases of operators being denied
access to tower sites.
“These incidents disrupt
services and could cost lives,” Dr. Maida warned, stressing the critical role
of telecommunications in emergencies and daily life. He noted President Bola
Tinubu’s recent landmark presidential order designating telecom infrastructure
as Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII), highlighting its
importance to the nation’s digital economy.
Dr. Maida praised Anambra State
for waiving right-of-way charges for telecom companies, a move he described as
a model for other states. He urged Governor Soludo to champion ICT investment
among his peers in the Nigerian Governors Forum. “Anambra has the potential to
evolve into Nigeria’s thriving tech hub,” he remarked.
The NCC, he added, is committed
to driving a transformative agenda by expanding digital infrastructure,
empowering local talent, and supporting businesses in a digital-first world.
“Our work is focused on implementing the Nigeria Broadband Plan to ensure fast
and affordable network services for all,” he concluded.
The Anambra Innovation Week
continues to set the stage for meaningful dialogue and action toward a
digitally driven future for the state and beyond.
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